When bone mass and mineral density decline, or when the composition and strength of bone shift, osteoporosis, a disease of the bones, results. The risk of fractures (broken bones) may rise as a result of this reduction in bone strength. Because osteoporosis usually shows no symptoms and you may not even be aware that you have it until you break a bone, it is known as a “silent” illness. The primary cause of fractures in elderly men and postmenopausal women is osteoporosis. Although any bone can sustain a fracture, the hip, wrist, and vertebrae in the spine are the most frequently affected.
Symptoms and Causes
What are osteoporosis symptoms?
In contrast to many other medical disorders, osteoporosis does not exhibit symptoms. For this reason, medical professionals occasionally refer to it as a silent sickness.
You won’t experience any symptoms that could indicate osteoporosis. You won’t have any symptoms of illness, such as a headache, fever, or stomachache.
The most frequent “symptom” is abruptly shattering a bone, often following a little mishap or fall that ordinarily wouldn’t do any harm.
You may observe certain changes in your body that may indicate your bones are becoming weaker or less dense, even though osteoporosis doesn’t directly produce symptoms. These osteoporosis warning indicators may consist of:
- Alterations to your natural posture, such as a greater stoop or bend forward.
- Breathlessness (if your lung capacity is diminished due to the compression of your spine’s disks).
- Losing at least one inch of height.
Changes in your own physical appearance may be difficult to notice. It’s possible that a loved one would notice changes in your body, particularly in your posture or height. People sometimes make jokes about how older people “shrink” as they become older, but this could indicate that you need to get a bone density test from a doctor.
What causes of Osteoporosis
When too much bone mass is lost and the structure of bone tissue changes, osteoporosis develops. There are a number of risk factors that can either cause osteoporosis or raise your chance of getting it.
While some people who acquire osteoporosis may not have any particular risk factors, many people with the condition have multiple risk factors. Certain risk factors are beyond your control, while others can be within your power. However, you might be able to avoid the illness and fractures if you are aware of these variables.
Your chance of developing osteoporosis may be raised by the following factors:
- Intercourse. Being a woman increases your risk of acquiring osteoporosis. Compared to men, women have smaller bones and a lower peak bone mass. Men are still vulnerable, though, particularly after the age of 70.
- Size of the body. Because they have less bone to lose than larger-boned women and men, those with slim, thin bones are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
- Age. Bone loss accelerates and fresh bone formation slows down with age. Your chance of developing osteoporosis rises as your bones deteriorate over time.
- Family background. According to research, if one of your parents has a history of hip fractures or osteoporosis, you may be at higher risk for both conditions.
- Eat a diet. A diet deficient in calcium and vitamin D can raise your risk of osteoporosis and fractures from childhood into old life. Poor protein intake or excessive dieting may raise your risk of osteoporosis and bone loss.
- Other health issues. Other endocrine and hormonal disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, some types of cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia nervosa are among the medical illnesses that can raise your risk of osteoporosis but that you may be able to cure or control.
Treating osteoporosis
The mainstays of osteoporosis treatment include taking medication to strengthen your bones and treating and avoiding fractures.
Your chance of breaking a bone in the future will determine whether you require treatment. Numerous factors, including your age, sex, and the findings of your bone density scan, will determine this.
Your doctor can advise you on the safest and most efficient course of action if you require treatment.
Preventing osteoporosis
You should take precautions to maintain the health of your bones if you are susceptible to osteoporosis. This could consist of:
- Exercising frequently to maintain the strongest possible bones
- Consuming a supplement with 10 mcg of vitamin D every day
- Modifying your lifestyle to include things like quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol
- Eating a balanced diet that includes foods high in vitamin D and calcium
Living with osteoporosis
Having frequent vision and hearing examinations and removing risks from your house are two ways to lower your risk of falling if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
If you are concerned about living with a chronic illness, talk to your doctor or nurse. If you have any questions, they could know the answers.
Speaking with other individuals who have the disease or a qualified counselor or psychologist may also be beneficial.